Japan Day 1
We arrived at Narita Airport at night, and take subway to Asakusa area. Our hotel is across the street from Senso-ji Temple. After Senso-ji Temple, we went to Giza, Meiji Shrine, Teamlab, Akihabara and back to hotel.
Sensō-ji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temple, located in the heart of the Asakusa district. Built in 628 AD and dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, the temple is a major cultural landmark. Visitors can enter through the Kaminarimon Gate, a symbol of Tokyo, and explore the Hōzōmon Gate and the impressive five-story pagoda. The main hall is where people gather to pray, light incense, and experience the spiritual essence of the temple, while the serene atmosphere offers a sense of peace amidst the bustling city. From the grounds of Senso-ji Temple, we caught a glimpse of Tokyo Skytree rising above the surrounding buildings.
Just outside the temple, Nakamise Street is a vibrant shopping lane where visitors can sample a wide range of traditional Japanese street foods. The street is lined with stalls selling treats like ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped sponge cakes), age-manju (deep-fried buns), and menchi katsu (fried pork patties). There are also plenty of souvenirs to pick up, from crafts to snacks, making it a great place to immerse in local culture. Whether you're after a sweet snack or a savory bite, Nakamise Street offers a lively and authentic Tokyo food experience.
Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most upscale and fashionable districts, known for its luxury shopping, fine dining, and modern architecture. Located in the Chūō ward, it’s a vibrant area where high-end brands, designer boutiques, and department stores like Mitsukoshi and Ginza Six line the streets. Apart from shopping, Ginza also offers a rich culinary scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants, sushi bars, and chic cafés. Visitors can also explore the area’s art galleries, cultural venues, and theaters. Ginza is particularly famous for its stunning neon lights at night, making it a lively spot for both daytime shopping and evening entertainment. Whether you’re window shopping or enjoying exquisite food, Ginza is a must-visit for experiencing Tokyo's sophisticated side. You can see both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower from certain spots in Ginza. Tokyo Tower is easier to spot from Ginza since it's closer (about 2.5 km away)
Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s most significant and peaceful Shinto shrines, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Located in a lush forested area near Harajuku and Omotesando, it provides a serene escape from the bustling city. The shrine, which opened in 1920, is surrounded by 170 acres of forest, offering visitors a tranquil environment to enjoy a stroll or reflect. The main entrance, the Torii Gate, marks the beginning of a path that leads to the main shrine building where people come to pray, write wishes, and participate in traditional Shinto rituals. The area also features a treasure house with historical artifacts. The shrine is a beautiful blend of spirituality and nature in the heart of Tokyo.
teamLab is a Tokyo-based art collective renowned for its immersive digital art installations that blend technology, nature, and human interaction. Their exhibitions are designed to be experienced physically, allowing visitors to engage with art in innovative ways. For both teamLab Planets TOKYO (Toyosu) and teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills), advance online booking is required, as these immersive digital art museums do not offer ticket sales at the venue. Tickets must be purchased in advance through official websites or authorized platforms like Klook. For teamLab Planets, ticket prices range from ¥1,500 for children to ¥4,800 for adults, with discounts for students and those with disabilities. For teamLab Borderless, tickets range from ¥1,500 for children to ¥5,400 for adults. Both attractions offer unique, interactive experiences, and it's recommended to arrive during your designated time slot, as late arrivals may not be admitted. Tickets are typically delivered via email with a QR code for entry, and you can reschedule up to 2 hours before your visit if needed.
Akihabara is a vibrant district in Tokyo, known as the center of electronics, anime, and otaku (geek) culture. Often called "Electric Town," it’s a paradise for tech enthusiasts, with countless stores selling gadgets, computers, and electronics at competitive prices. Beyond electronics, Akihabara is famous for its anime, manga, and video game stores, as well as themed cafés, including maid cafés and otaku cafés. It’s also home to some of Japan’s largest and most popular gaming arcades. For those interested in Japanese pop culture, Akihabara offers an immersive experience with shops dedicated to collectibles, cosplay outfits, and rare figurines.
We took Shinkansen to Hakone and found our hotel, and took a spa